This month, 13 OCDSB high schools welcomed 40 students from Aix, Marseille, and Nice in France as they embarked on a five-week exchange. OCDSB students will complete the exchange by heading to France in the spring of 2023. Later this year, another exchange will take place between the OCDSB and a high school in Yokohama, Japan.
These exciting opportunities are just one example of how students in the International Certificate Program (ICP) are learning about the world and growing as intercultural ambassadors. The ICP is designed to recognize and honour students in grade 9-12 who demonstrate a commitment to being motivated, engaged, and active global citizens.
As part of the program, students learn an international language, complete secondary courses with an international focus, and earn at least 100 hours of intercultural experiences through virtual events, school trips, exchanges, and embassy events.
Last June, 107 students graduated from the program, representing the largest group ever to earn the certificate. This year, 601 students are enrolled in the ICP, with nearly a quarter preparing to graduate in June.
In addition to the exchanges, these students will have the opportunity to participate in the ICP Korea Forum hosted by the Korean Culture Centre, as well as events with the Embassy of Japan in Canada, the Aga Khan Foundation of Canada, and Euro Challenge Canada. They will also lead events for peers and support over 400 international students coming to our District.
Here’s what some ICP students had to say about their experience in the program:
“The ICP is an amazing program which brought me many fond memories. My favourite ICP experience was having the opportunity to lead my own culture workshop. I got to research and build an interactive presentation of the Amazigh people of North Africa and share it with friends and peers. Being in an atmosphere with other people my age as excited to learn about the world as I am was a truly motivating experience and I would encourage everyone to join.” - Amina, Glebe Collegiate Institute
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“If anyone told me that joining the ICP in grade 10 would bring me to the Ugandan Ambassador, I would not have believed you. ICP alone will not make you an international citizen, but it sure will open some golden doors. The ICP gave me enough confidence to help raise $10,000 and meet with the Ugandan Ambassador. It began my curiosity and ignited a flame I hope will never die. I am forever grateful to Mr. Oussoren’s (International Education Coordinator) leadership in leading future leaders to brighter possibilities.” - Ashiq, Cairine Wilson Secondary School
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"In January 2022, I hosted a cooking session between the ICP and my youth group, Young Iranians of Canada. It was a chance for me to share a classic Iranian dish with my Iranian community and the amazing ICP students. I guided attendants on how to make Tahchin, a Persian Chicken Rice Cake, over Zoom, and it was such a fulfilling experience to be able to share my culture. Since entering the program in grade 9, the ICP has given me a chance to learn about various cultures from other ICP students, and it felt great to teach others about mine." - Kosar, Merivale High School
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On October 26th, the OCDSB will be holding a virtual information session for Grade 8-11 students and their parents and guardians to learn more about the International Certificate Program, international exchanges and studying abroad. Learn more.
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